Lionel Messi: Inter Miami Star Scared by ‘Explosion’ During Turbulent Hong Kong Tour

• Lionel Messi was booed in Hong Kong after he failed to play in a friendly game
• The Argentine star was a no-show as Inter Miami coasted their way to a 4-1 win
• A device released a fiery explosion noise after the trophy presentation on the pitch

Lionel Messi's tour of Hong Kong got off to a rocky start after thousands of fans booed him and Inter Miami after a friendly game.

The Argentine failed to play even a single minute of the friendly against Hong Kong All Stars, prompting angry reactions from the thousands of fans.

Many had flocked to the Hong Kong Arena to watch the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner in action but were ultimately left disappointed.

A day earlier, Messi was present during an open-day training session for the fans and media, and the expectation that he would feature was rife.

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Inter Miami head coach, Tata Martino, blamed a hamstring strain as the reason why he didn't risk his star man, as captured by the Guardian.

'Explosion' scares Messi, Inter Miami players

After the game, which the Major League Soccer side won 4-1, Messi and his teammates suffered a slight scare after a pyrotechnics device appeared to have malfunctioned.

The Herons were on the pitch for a trophy presentation, with the Argentine joining his teammates. The device let out an exploding sound and those nearby got quite a fright.

Messi's bodyguard, Yassine Cheuko, was also shocked as well but remained rooted to his spot.

Inter Miami will next face Japanese side, Vissel Kobe in Tokyo before heading back to America, where they will play Newell's Old Boys before they begin their 2024 league campaign on February 22.

Messi sells out 40,000 capacity stadium

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Sports Brief had earlier reported the Hong Kong Arena was sold out for the match, with tickets for the 40,000-capacity stadium sold out in December after it was confirmed Messi would make Inter Miami's trip.

The open-day training session was similarly sold out, with the Argentina star spotted taking part in drills alongside his teammates. Despite this, the World Cup winner remained on the sidelines for the friendly encounter.